The X-37B is one of the world’s newest and most advanced re-entry spacecraft.

Designed to operate in low-earth orbit, 110 to 500 miles above the Earth at a nominal speed of about 17,500 miles per hour, the vehicle is the first since the Space Shuttle with the ability to return experiments to Earth for further inspection and analysis.

Because the X-37B can be returned to Earth, reused, and is designed to be highly flexible and maneuverable, its contributions to space exploration will result in making space access more routine, affordable, and responsive.

Photo: Artist's concept of an X-37 reusable unmanned spacecraft in flight in this undated handout image courtesy of NASA.

Advanced conformal reusable insulation (CRI) blankets are used for the first time on the X-37B.

All avionics on the X-37B are designed to automate all de-orbit and landing functions. Additionally, there are no hydraulics onboard the X-37B; flight controls and brakes use electromechanical actuation.

The on-orbit duration of the X-37B will vary based upon mission requirements, but has the ability to perform missions lasting up to 270 days.

Photo: Artist's concept of an X-37 reusable unmanned spacecraft flying through the clouds in this undated handout image courtesy of NASA.

The first X-37B was launched on April 22, 2010 and became the United States’ first unmanned vehicle to return from space and land safely on its own on December 3,

2010. A second vehicle was launched on May 5, 2011; the mission is still underway.

The first flight demonstrated that the X-37B is able to conduct long-duration operations and enabled scientists to understand the long-term effects on system components, such as the structure and future payloads. The successful first flight included achieving orbit, de-orbiting, and safely landing at the primary return location, Vandenberg Air Force Base. Text:Boeing

Photo: This March 30, 2010 photo made available by the U.S. Air Force via NASA shows the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle during testing at the Astrotech facility in Titusville, Fla. On Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, the Air Force launched the top-secret, unmanned mini-space shuttle from Cape Canaveral, Fla. Photo: AP

X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle

The X-37B is one of the world’s newest and most advanced re-entry spacecraft.

Designed to operate in low-earth orbit, 110 to 500 miles above the Earth at a nominal speed of about 17,500 miles per hour, the vehicle is the first since the Space Shuttle with the ability to return experiments to Earth for further inspection and analysis.

Because the X-37B can be returned to Earth, reused, and is designed to be highly flexible and maneuverable, its contributions to space exploration will result in making space access more routine, affordable, and responsive.

Photo: Artist's concept of an X-37 reusable unmanned spacecraft in flight in this undated handout image courtesy of NASA.